Battle of Messana

The Battle of Messana was the first military clash between the Roman Republic and Carthage, leading to the start of the First Punic War.

Background
When the Sicilian Greek city-state of Messana called for assistance from the Roman Republic, the Roman Senate initially refused to send help, but the consuls persuaded the Senate to send an expedition to assist Messana and enjoy the spoils of war. Consul Appius Claudius Caudex led an expedition into Sicily, and the Mamertines forced the Carthaginian garrison out of Messana and invited the Roman force into the city. The Carthaginians crucified the garrison commander Hanno for his cowardice and his lack of judgment in leaving Messana.

Battle
The 9,000-strong Roman army under Claudius faced a 12,000-strong combined army of Carthaginian and Syracusan soldiers under Hiero II of Syracuse. The Romans quickly defeated the Syracusans and then moved against the Carthaginians. The light infantry skirmished but soon fell back, and the Roman and Carthaginian infantry engaged, while the cavalry fought on the flanks. However, the Romans gained the upper hand, and the Carthaginians retreated. The battle at Messana freed the city from Carthaginian control, and led to the outbreak of the First Punic War.